Mermaid gowns made a massive splash at the 70th Golden Globe Awards on January 13, 2013, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel — a year that cemented the silhouette as a red‑carpet favorite. More than a decade later, these looks still stand out for their timeless glamour and innovative design.
From Taylor Swift’s rich burgundy Donna Karan Atelier gown to Amy Adams’ Old Hollywood‑inspired Marchesa masterpiece, these iconic dresses continue to influence awards‑season fashion and prove why the mermaid silhouette remains a go‑to choice for Hollywood’s elite.
💫 Jump to a Look:
Below are our favorite mermaid gown appearances on the Golden Globes red carpet!
Radiant in Burgundy: Taylor Swift Stuns in Donna Karan Atelier Mermaid Gown
Taylor Swift, standing at a statuesque 5 feet 9 ¼ inches, captivated on the red carpet in a sweeping burgundy Donna Karan Atelier mermaid gown. The pop superstar, known for her signature fringe, opted for a sleek updo that beautifully showcased her Lorraine Schwartz jewelry and the dress’s elegant neckline.
Completing her look of pure sophistication, she wore exquisite Rene Caovilla shoes, which were the perfect choice to complement the gown’s dramatic silhouette.
Taylor Swift exudes elegance in a figure-hugging burgundy Donna Karan Atelier mermaid gown featuring a dramatic train and minimalist straps at the 70th Golden Globe Awards on January 13, 2013 (Credit: Apega / WENN / Ai-Wire / FayesVision)
Unfortunately for her, the two funniest ladies in showbiz were hosting (Tina Fey and Amy Poehler), and an unforgettable moment was when Fey told her to “stay away from Michael J. Fox’s son.”
Edgy Elegance: Kelly Osbourne Rocks Zac Posen Mermaid Gown & Green Accents
Kelly Osbourne brought her signature edge to the Golden Globes red carpet in a sculptural mermaid gown by Zac Posen, an American designer celebrated for his architectural silhouettes and glamorous eveningwear. The strapless creation hugged her frame with the kind of precision tailoring that has made Posen a go‑to for stars like Liu Wen, Heidi Klum, and Claire Danes.
Osbourne’s look was anything but ordinary, a daring yet polished mix that proved why she remains a true fashion risk-taker. Her vibrant green teardrop earrings by Jacob & Co. played beautifully against her lavender side‑swept hair, a bold choice that unexpectedly harmonized with the gown’s delicate sweetheart neckline.
Kelly Osbourne stuns in a structured strapless Zac Posen mermaid gown, complemented by green teardrop earrings and her signature lavender hair, showcasing her edgy elegance at the Golden Globes on January 13, 2013
To create the illusion of height for her 5-foot-1 frame, she strategically paired the Zac Posen dress with black satin Giuseppe Zanotti platform sandals. She carried a coordinating clutch from Judith Leiber. This meticulous attention to detail in her styling elevated the entire look.
White‑Hot Glamour: Hayden Panettiere Glows in Roberto Cavalli Mermaid Dress
Hayden was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in ‘Nashville,’ but it was Anne Hathaway who took home the Golden Globe for her work in Les Misérables. Nonetheless, Hayden’s look was one of our top favorites of the night!
At just 5 feet and ¼ inches tall, the petite star flaunted her curves in a white Roberto Cavalli gown, a stunning choice that beautifully showcased her figure.
Golden Globe nominee Hayden Panettiere glows on the red carpet in a white Roberto Cavalli strapless mermaid gown, perfectly paired with a vibrant pink minaudière for a touch of playful elegance at the Golden Globes on January 13, 2013
Known for strategically selecting high heels to elongate her frame, Hayden often turns to powerhouses like Giuseppe Zanotti and Brian Atwood for that extra boost of glamour. She perfectly accessorized the look with a punchy pink Kotur minaudière, adding a vibrant pop of color that was pure red-carpet brilliance.
Old Hollywood Perfection: Amy Adams Dazzles in Blush Marchesa Mermaid Gown
Amy Adams was the undisputed style queen of the night, dazzling on both the red carpet and at the after-party in the same showstopping look.
The actress radiated timeless Hollywood glamour in a blush-toned Marchesa mermaid gown, which she perfectly accessorized with Tiffany & Co. jewels and a vintage-inspired bob that gave a subtle nod to 1920s elegance. Her flawless look cemented her as a fashion icon.
Amy Adams channels timeless Hollywood elegance in a blush-toned Marchesa mermaid gown, complete with intricate lace detailing and a voluminous tulle skirt, accentuated by Tiffany & Co. jewels at the Golden Globe Awards after-party on January 13, 2013, in Beverly Hills, California
Amy Adams was the undisputed style queen of the night, dazzling on both the red carpet and at the after-party in the same showstopping look.
A longtime fan of classic, sophisticated footwear, Adams is known for stepping out in stunning shoes from designers like Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo, which effortlessly complement her graceful aesthetic.
Golden Globe nominee Amy Adams captivates in a strapless blush Marchesa gown, featuring intricate lace accents and a dramatic tulle mermaid silhouette, at the 70th Golden Globe Awards on January 13, 2013, in Beverly Hills, California
For readers interested in exploring more about mermaid gowns and their presence in fashion, Your Next Shoes offers several insightful articles. For instance, Halle Bailey’s ethereal appearance in a sheer Georges Chakra mermaid dress at “The Little Mermaid” Mexico City premiere showcases modern interpretations of this classic silhouette.
👠 Mermaid-Inspired Shoe & Fashion Highlights:
- 📎 Madison Bailey’s Elegant Accessories and Glittering Casadei Sandals — The star wore a periwinkle Georges Hobeika mermaid midi dress at the 2023 LGBT Gala, paired with silver-glitter Casadei high-heel sandals that peeked out from beneath the flowing hem.
- ✨ Sergio Rossi’s Mermaid Swarovski Crystal Sandal Booties — A feature comparing Kris Jenner and Jennifer Lopez wearing the crystal-backed “Mermaid” booties, spotlighting this mermaid-named shoe’s sparkle and red‑carpet appeal.
- 🧜♀️ Halle Bailey Stuns in Sheer Georges Chakra Mermaid Dress — Although her shoes remain hidden, the article notes that strappy sandal heels with pearl accents were most likely styled to complete the ethereal look.
Additionally, Kendall Jenner’s choice of a vintage Jean Paul Gaultier mermaid gown at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party highlights the enduring appeal of this design in high fashion.
Golden Globe Glam Rewind: Iconic Red‑Carpet Looks That Still Inspire
The Golden Globe Awards have long been a showcase for stunning red-carpet moments. While we’ve just revisited the iconic mermaid gowns of 2013, the glamour continues to evolve. Here are some of the most unforgettable looks from recent years that still inspire fashion lovers everywhere:
- Emily Blunt in Alexander McQueen: At the 2024 Golden Globes, Emily Blunt dazzled in a gold-embroidered Alexander McQueen gown. Paired with gold Jimmy Choo Roosie sandals and Tiffany & Co. jewelry, she embodied timeless Hollywood glamour.
- Jenna Ortega in Gucci: Making her debut at the Golden Globes, Jenna Ortega stunned in a tan-colored Gucci gown featuring dramatic sleeves and a floor-sweeping train. Accessorized with Tiffany & Co. jewelry, she channeled a modern-day Grecian goddess.
- Sandra Bullock in Oscar de la Renta: At the 2020 Golden Globes, Sandra Bullock presented the final award in a breathtaking Oscar de la Renta gown. The strapless silhouette added a touch of sophistication to the event’s finale.
- Debby Ryan in Elie Saab: Attending the 2019 InStyle & Warner Bros. Golden Globe After Party, Debby Ryan turned heads in a bead-embroidered lace Elie Saab dress, paired with velvet Chloe Gosselin platform sandals.
- Olivia Palermo in Delpozo: At the 73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards, Olivia Palermo opted for a bold color-block Delpozo gown, completing her look with metallic ankle-strap heels from Boutique 9.